DIY Plaid Cape – Perfect Fall Outerwear

Fall is hands-down my favorite season. I love everything about it – the crisp chill in the air, the colorful leaves, apple cider and, of course, the FASHION! To me, nothing says fall fashion quite like plaid, which is why I love this cape so much. I made this one several years ago, but it is a favorite I go back to time and again. And without fail, every time I wear it, my boyfriend laughs and says I look like Sherlock Holmes.

Well, my dear Watson, I see nothing wrong with that.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am currently living in Australia and will be here until December. Right now, it is spring here and getting quite warm – so not much opportunity to bust out this cape. I am bummed to miss out on the fall weather at home, but Pittsburgh’s winter will give me ample opportunities to wear this cape, and the rest of my fall wardrobe.

When I decided to make a cape, I only had two requirements: it had to have a hood, and I had to be able to keep my arms free. I used New Look #6073 and selected view E, swapping out the collar for the hood featured on views B&C. I didn’t make any alterations to the pattern – it fit perfectly (don’t you just love when that happens?).

The outer fabric is a brushed cotton plaid from JoAnns. I bought this fabric several years ago, but JoAnns does have several similar brushed cotton plaids here. Green is my favorite color, so that is what initially drew me to this specific fabric. But, beyond the color, the texture and weight of this fabric has proven to be perfect for this project. Not only is it soft and warm, but it has held up quite nicely through many wears. Instead of a typical lining fabric, I decided to line the cape with a solid black flannel. I wanted to add some extra warmth, and this flannel does the trick!

Since I couldn’t find a commercially produced closure that I liked, I made my own from some buttons and a bit of black cord. The buttons I selected are 1.5” and a bit art deco – which I love. Prior to sewing in the lining, I measured the black cord and cut a piece slightly larger than needed to act as a button loop. I then made a loop and sewed the raw edges in between the plaid and flannel fabrics near the top. From there, I simply sewed a button on each side of the top of the cape. One button serves as a button to close the cape and the other is there for some symmetry/aesthetics.

This cape has become such a cool weather wardrobe staple that I want to make at least one more for when I get back to Pittsburgh. I recently picked up Simplicity #8263 and am really digging view B, with the detachable fur collar. Now I guess the hunt is on for the perfect fabric – or as Sherlock Holmes would say – the game is afoot!